News Summary
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) has earned a top 50 rank in the U.S. for 2025, coming in at 26. This recognition underlines GSP’s dedication to enhancing passenger experiences. Alongside notable peers like Detroit Metro and Bozeman Yellowstone, GSP shares this honor with Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The bustling airport’s accolades stem from extensive traveler feedback and an evident focus on quality food and shopping. This achievement mirrors significant growth and investment under CEO Dave Edwards, as Greenville County continues to thrive in the aviation sector.
Greenville, South Carolina – The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) has been recognized as one of the top 50 airports in the U.S. for 2025, ranking at no. 26 according to a recent list published by The Washington Post on June 26, 2025. The airport’s notable ranking highlights its continued commitment to providing an enhanced travel experience for its passengers.
GSP is among other distinguished airports recognized, such as Detroit Metro Airport and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. The only other airport in South Carolina to receive this honor is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, making GSP a key player in the state’s aviation industry. The specific criteria behind GSP’s selection have not been disclosed, but the ranking underscores a trend favoring smaller airports that excel in food options and shopping experiences.
The ranking process involved extensive data collection, surveying over 450,000 Yelp reviews and gathering 2,300 responses from travelers. The focus was primarily on airports with more than 1,000 passenger departures, aiming to showcase those that are easy to access and navigate. Attributes such as light-filled spaces and recent renovations were identified as significant contributors to positive airport experiences.
In addition to the airport news, the Greenville Literacy Association is gearing up for its annual “Really Good, Really Big, Really Cheap Book Sale,” set for August 9-10, 2025. This event is anticipated to offer nearly 100,000 low-cost books to attendees at McAlister Square, continuing the association’s mission to promote literacy within the community. Recent assessments revealed that about 45,000 adults in Greenville County lack a high school diploma and over 25,000 are not fluent in English. The GLA is committed to providing resources for GED, language, and digital literacy training, irrespective of participants’ income or educational background.
Meanwhile, another significant development is on the horizon with European precision machining firm Kadia USA announcing plans to relocate its headquarters to Piedmont in Greenville County. This strategic move aims to enhance customer relations and increase responsiveness within the American market. The company’s management has detailed plans for construction to commence in July 2025, with completion expected in the first half of 2026. Kadia is renowned for high-precision shape and surface processing of metal components serving the automotive, medical, and defense sectors.
The recognition of GSP as a top airport comes on the heels of significant growth and capital investments spearheaded since Dave Edwards took over as CEO in July 2009. Under Edwards’s leadership, the airport’s economic impact on the region skyrocketed from approximately $377 million annually to a remarkable $4.75 billion. As Edwards prepares to retire in January 2026, Kevin Howell has been appointed to succeed him as the GSP Airport Commission’s executive vice president.
As a testament to its ongoing success, GSP has received five Airport Service Quality awards for 2024, including accolades for the best airport accommodating 2-5 million passengers in North America, as well as recognition for being the cleanest airport. This progress underscores GSP’s commitment to creating a memorable experience for all passengers, a standard that has been acknowledged by industry experts.
In summary, the recent honors bestowed upon the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and the ongoing community initiatives illustrate the dynamic growth and development within Greenville County. With a focus on enhancing travel experiences and promoting literacy, the region continues to position itself as a leader in both aviation and education.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: GSP Ranking
- Wikipedia: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
- Greenville Journal: GSP Voted Best Small Airport
- Goupstate: New Destinations from GSP
- ABC11: Greenville Plane Crash
